Shining light on the dark side of action research: Power, relationality and transformation

Abstract

An important aim of the Action Research Journal is encouraging people to get involved in action research in order to promote transformative change across the globe. The journal subscribes to a relational manifesto in which "action researchers are called to contribute to conversations-for-change about ways of knowing, doing and being that invite us to develop shared learning platforms, alongside people with a stake in transforming structural forces that inhibit thriving" (Bradbury et al., 2019, p. 9). An important strategy in this respect is to raise awareness of the 'bright side' of action research for transformations (ART): explain how it can be done, showcase what has been and can be achieved, and argue that it is a vital and urgent response to the world's sustainability crises. ART has much to show for itself and needs to continue its efforts at spreading the word and inviting ever-more people in joining the conversation and connecting their experiences and achievements.However, we also know that ART has a 'dark side'. It is a complex and demanding process. It demands relational, conceptual and experimental skills not usually taught together in conventional educational programs. Many challenges are likely to emerge and there are no guarantees that it will achieve the desired impact. Transformative aspirations and change processes inevitably come with ambiguities, mistakes, frustrations, tensions, conflicts and disappointments. All action researchers struggle with feelings of failure and doubt about the value and impact of their work. Shining light on the dark sideAt this point, we believe it is helpful to illuminate our personal motivation for this themed issue with brief vignettes of our own experiences with the dark side of action research.

Empathy in action research

“…This phenomenological stance argues the empathy “creates an active subject to subject relationship that potentially subverts the power imbalance” (Zhao, 2012, p. 60). Being an active subject with the potential to subvert power dynamics aligns with how we theorise action research leads to transformation (Bartels & Friedman, 2022).…”

Constructive developmental interiority: Deliberately transformative action research

“…Increasingly, action research targets these challenges (Fazey et al, 2018; Trajber et al, 2019; Jorgensen and Stephens, 2022). A call for action research for transformation (ART) has been both shared and widely supported (Bartels & Friedman, 2022; Bradbury et al, 2020). While the call for transformation targets global movements, our research contends that large-scale transformation begins and aligns with individual constructive developmental interiority, and is evident where substantial shifts in individual practice, behaviour and understanding occur (Shani and Coghlan, 2019).…”

“…Appreciating the epistemological assumption of action research - to change the world - its purpose goes beyond description or explanation to build on the past, take place in the present with a view to shaping the future (Coghlan & Brannick, 2014; Reason and Torbert, 2001). A specific call for action research to generate transformation (ART) incited engagement to encourage global transformative change (Bartels & Friedman, 2022; Bradbury et al, 2020). The targets of this injunction include global challenges of sustainability and climate action (Bradbury et al, 2019:4).…”

Action research for transforming the poverty field

“…How can these risks be mitigated? Are there other dark, and/or undiscussable issues that action research avoids or even contributes to (Bartels & Friedman, 2022)? How can action researchers discover, engage, and shed light upon the dark places? 2.…”